Starting in June, Running Strong for American Indian Youth® will once again be operating our Summer Youth Feeding Program (SYFP) in three communities on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation in South Dakota – Cherry Creek, Red Scaffold, and LaPlante, three communities that have come to count on the program each year.
Why this Program Matters
When schools close their doors for summer break, so too do the cafeterias that provide daily lunches for many children. That’s where Running Strong steps in, bridging the summer hunger gap with healthy, delicious, and free meals. The SYFP ensures that children have have access to meals that fuel both body and spirit.
Each weekday for 10 weeks this summer, any child or youth under age 18 can come to any of the feeding sites and receive a lunch that can include turkey or PB&J sandwiches, whole grain chips, fresh fruits and veggies, cheese sticks, and 100% juice or milk. Plus, kids can take home “grab-n-go” snack bags filled with Goldfish, cookies, fruit, and more—because the need for nourishment doesn’t end at lunchtime.
A Welcoming Place for All
The three feeding sites are located at the Red Scaffold Catholic Church, the Boys & Girls Club in LaPlante and the nutrition center in Cherry Creek. These sites are more than just meal distribution points; they are community hubs where children gather for meals and social interaction. Each location plays a vital role in the program’s success, ensuring that children from different parts of the reservation have access to nutritious meals.
Thanks to the programs “open site” policy, there are no sign-up forms or registrations. Any child or youth under 18 can come and enjoy a free, nutritious meal. This inclusive approach removes any barriers and ensures that no child goes hungry.
Real Impact, Real Numbers
In 2024, summer food coordinator Stacie Lee reported over 7,800 meals served across the three sites. With daily participation averaging 76 children at LaPlante, 65 in Cherry Creek, and 22 at Red Scaffold, the program made a tangible difference.
“A lot of children would go without a lunch if it wasn’t for the Billy Mills Running Strong Program,” Stacie shares, emphasizing the real-life impact this initiative has on families every day.”
More than meals, a ripple effect
Through the program, Running Strong is proving its unwavering commitment to fighting child hunger on the reservation. Since its inception in 2005, the SYFP has served as a lifeline for children on the reservation who would otherwise face food insecurity during the summer months when school-provided meals are unavailable.
In addition to feeding children, the SYFP also provides employment opportunities for food service workers at the various sites. This dual benefit of addressing child hunger and creating jobs strengthens the community economically and socially.
Running Strong for American Indian Youth® has demonstrated a long-term commitment to addressing food insecurity on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation. By consistently funding and operating the SYFP for nearly two decades, the organization has become a cornerstone of support for the community. This steadfast dedication ensures that children are not only fed but also cared for and valued.
The SYFP is a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved through dedicated support and collective effort.
